The US is going to maintain economic pressure on narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia

The US is going to maintain economic pressure on narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia

THE WHITE HOUSE. Office of the Press Secretary. Press Release. Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the emergency declared with respect to significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia is to continue in effect beyond October 21, 2009.
The circumstances that led to the declaration on October 21, 1995, of a national emergency have not been resolved. The actions of significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and to cause an extreme level of violence, corruption, and harm in the United States and abroad. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to maintain economic pressure on significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia by blocking their property and interests in property that are in the United States or within the possession or control of United States persons and by depriving them of access to the U.S. market and financial system.
BARACK OBAMA

October 16, 2009

Colombia Participates with 4 Films in the DC Latin American Film Showcase

Colombia Participates with 4 Films in the DC Latin American Film Showcase

Free screenings at the Inter-American Development Bank, Landmark E Street Cinemas, GALA Theatre, Georgetown University, Martin Luther King Public Library, and at Embassies (Argentina, Chile and Venezuela)
Press release. The Ibero-American Cultural Attachs Association (AACIA), announces the 2009 DC Latin American Film Showcase with Portugal and Spain. For 20 years the Cultural Attachs Association has been organizing successful film festivals and, this year, the free series will run from October 20 to November 7 in nine different venues throughout Washington DC. More than 30 movies from 15 different countries will be screened at the Inter-American Development Bank, Landmark E Street Cinemas, GALA Theatre, Georgetown University, Martin Luther King Public Library and the Argentinean, Chilean and Venezuelan Embassies.
The showcase begins on Tuesday, October 20 at the Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Auditorium with the Washington area premiere of the Brazilian film by Mauricio Farias - VERONICA.
In addition to recently released fiction films, the showcase includes the screening of documentaries and movies that offer a retrospective view of the history of Ibero-American cinema. All films are in Spanish or Portuguese with English subtitles, unless otherwise noted.

In response to the decision of the Justice of Ecuador involving the General Commander of the Armed Forces of Colombia in legal proceedings concerning the events of March 1, 2008, the Government of Colombia stated today that:
1. It does not recognize the extraterritorial authority of the Ecuadorian courts to investigate and prosecute former and current Colombian officials, as it was stated on September 24, in the Communiqu issued by both governments.
2. It will protect through all the available means any current and/or former Colombian official, facing similar circumstances and reiterates that the defense and safety of these officials is a State responsibility.
3. As has been stated in the roadmap agreed by the two governments, this issue should be handled in meetings devoted to sensitive issues.
4. Under these circumstances, the Government of Colombia proposed to postpone the next meeting of COMBIFRON scheduled for Friday, in Ibarra - Ecuador.
5. Colombia restated to the Government of Ecuador the need to find a solution to this problem in order to advance in the

October 15, 2009

Statement by Vicepresident Francisco Santos on children and armed conflict

Statement by Vicepresident Francisco Santos on children and armed conflict

Press Release. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. New York, 12 October 2009. Statement by Vicepresident on the occasion of the presentation of the United Nations Secretary General’s report on Colombia on the question of children and armed conflict
Mr. President
Members of the Working Group
Madam Special Representative of the Secretary General for children and armed conflicts
UNICEF Director of Emergency Operations
On behalf of the Colombian State, I would like to thank the President of the Working Group, the Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Claude Heller for the invitation to participate in this meeting, convened within the framework of the implementation of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism provided for in Resolution 1612.
An objective that we all share, to which my Government attaches a fundamental priority, has brought us together in this meeting: strengthening the protection of children against the violations resulting from the violence generated by the remaining illegal armed groups in the country.
To achieve this purpose, it is essential to start with an objective diagnosis of the Colombian reality and a comprehensive understanding of the particular circumstances of violence that has swept through the country.
Colombia, as it is highlighted in the Report, is a democratic State built on the basis of a Social Rule of Law (Estado Social de Derecho), in which guaranteeing the respect and enjoyment of Human Rights is a main priority. Our country has the mechanisms for a wide and pluralistic participation under which people of all political tendencies enjoy full guarantees to freely exercise their rights.
In Colombia there is no justification for violence with alleged political goals, nor there support for violence exercised under any guise. Our democracy gives us the political authority to say that the illegal armed groups FARC and ELN, funded by illegal drugs, are not insurgents fighting against oppression, but terrorists against freedom. As President Uribe said a few days ago in the General Assembly, violent groups cannot hide their criminal intent or feign ideological positions that are denied by their deeds, and that have no place in a democracy like Colombia’s.
In order to confront the terrorist violence, we Colombians have supported since 2002 a series of policies implemented by the State, which have allowed to significantly reduce criminality all throughout the country, and have improved the conditions for security and protection for all persons, including children.
Among these, I want to highlight the Democratic Security Policy aimed at protecting the rights of Colombians and strengthening the rule of law and the democratic institutions that were previously under threat. The continuation of this policy, whose effectiveness is acknowledged by the international community, is a constant demand by Colombian society.
Another decisive process for the country in recent years has been the demobilization of more than 52 thousand members of illegal armed groups. In this manner, the self defense groups that used to exist have been collectively dismantled. In addition, thousands of members of the FARC and ELN have disarmed individually and have given themselves up voluntarily to the authorities. This process is taking place within the framework of a special piece of legislation for justice, peace and reparation for victims, and cannot be obstructed.
Colombia has structured institutions and makes enormous efforts to decisively advance the fulfillment of the rights of all its citizens. Furthermore, with this in mind, we do not hesitate in punishing those who from the State might commit individual acts that affect such rights.
This reality has been verified by the international community. Colombia has allowed both national and international scrutiny of all its actions. It maintains an open invitation to all international human rights representatives and mechanisms, both from the United Nations and from the Inter American system. We voluntarily accepted the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review, and we welcomed most of its recommendations.
Mr. President:
Colombia expects that from the analyses conducted in this Working Group, constructive and applicable proposals and alternatives emerge that adapt to the national circumstances, which are clearly different from the other cases that have been examined here.
Taking into account this overall context, the Government values the recognition contained in the Report, regarding the actions and strategies led by the State, and the progress made in different fields that have had a positive impact on the protection of children. The Colombian State has assumed its primary responsibility for the protection of children that live in its territory, through the implementation of integral policies and the strengthening of the institutions that work in this field.
We have taken note of the challenges identified in relation to the six grave violations referred to in the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism. The Report illustrates the difficulty posed in guaranteeing Human Rights in Colombia, by the activities of the illegal armed groups FARC and ELNm and it also includes references to other criminal gangs dedicated to drug trafficking.
I must open parentheses here to clarify that the criminal gangs described in the Report as "new illegal armed groups" neither have a military structure organization, nor do they have the capacity to control territory. They are solely motivated by drug trafficking and organized crime. In that regard, the Secretary General of the OAS has made statements through the work of its Support Mission that has accompanied Colombia in the monitoring of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. The Secretary General stated before the OAS Permanent Council that these groups "have a criminal profile, and are closely (linked) to drug trafficking activities", making it clear that these gangs "are not related at all to paramilitary activities, which have disappeared from the Colombian scene".
Being outside the scope of the mechanism of Resolution 1612, the issue on these gangs is not, of course, an item that should be discussed in this Working Group. The transnational crime of drug trafficking is a global challenge for all countries including Colombia. Our State, in line with its international commitments to combat drug trafficking, has acted decisively to confront the phenomenon of these criminal gangs with encouraging results.
As for the activities of the FARC and ELN, the Government acknowledges the way that the Report reflects how these illegal armed groups, through criminal activities, prevent children in Colombia from fully enjoying their rights.
These terrorist groups have deliberately turned their violent and criminal acts against children by committing the six grave violations monitored by the Mechanism. The Colombian State has pursued and will continue to pursue decisively those responsible for such violations. These criminals must be prosecuted with the full weight of the law, and they must be denounced and censured by the international community.

Mr. President:
Colombia understands that the work of the United Nations is inspired by a spirit of cooperation that will provide the Colombian State with opportunities to continue to consolidate its institutional capacities and efforts towards achieving the best for the welfare of children. With this understanding in mind, we voluntarily accepted the Mechanism provided for in Resolution 1612.
In this context of cooperation, we believe that the recommendations of this Working Group could make a significant contribution to consolidating a partnership between the Government and the United Nations to forcefully demand that the illegal armed groups cease their acts of violence against children, including their recruitment and use. Likewise, to strengthen the cooperation in the actions that the democratic institutions of Colombia are implementing to restore the security and protection of all Colombians, including children.
There is one issue to which I want to make a frank and direct reference. The modality of direct dialogue between United Nations representatives and non-State armed groups that have been considered elsewhere, cannot be transferred to our country without putting at risk the coherence and continuation of processes that constitutionally are under the direction of the National Government.
Therefore it is necessary that all initiatives proposed within the framework of the Mechanism contained in Resolution 1612, not only take into account the context described above, but that they are properly channeled through the National authorities and with the prior and express consent of the Colombian Government, as provided for in the procedure agreed upon with the Special Representative of the Secretary General.
Colombia has demonstrated with verifiable fact the National Government’s readiness to have a dialogue with illegal armed groups, in search for opportunities of reconciliation, but it has demanded that this dialogue takes place under a cessation of armed activities by these groups and with a genuine demonstration of their willingness to reach agreements. Unfortunately, these groups, as mentioned in the Report, persist in their violent actions and show no reliable signs of wanting reconciliation. As the Report also mentions, the illegal armed groups "made" commitments more than a decade ago not to recruit children but have shown no intention so far of fulfilling these commitments.
Under these conditions, the formulation of action plans that do not take into account the context of the Colombian reality could prove disappointing. It is not acceptable to the Government, or to Colombian society that has been subjected to the criminal actions of these groups, that a likely dialogue be used by the same groups, as in past opportunities, to prepare new attacks against the population and its legitimate institutions, to obtain some kind of political recognition to their actions, or to weaken the policies that are being implemented with great effectiveness.
Rather than considering procedures that seek to endorse such terrorist groups as political interlocutors, the Monitoring Mechanism must strengthen the international pressure that is already being exerted on them to cease their violent actions.
Lastly, the Colombian State wishes to reiterate its commitment to make every necessary effort to guarantee the full enjoyment of Human Rights to all the inhabitants in its territory, in particular, the rights of children.
Based on this constructive spirit, the Colombian State expects that in its conclusions, the Working Group expressly registers the need to continue working together with the Government to find, as noted by the President of the Working Group in his letter of invitation, effective solutions of cooperation that positively benefit the enjoyment and exercise of the rights of children in Colombia.
Thank you very much

October 8, 2009

Colombia improved five positions in the Human Development Index

Colombia improved five positions in the Human Development Index

The country now ranks 77, climbing to the group of countries classified with High Human Development, according to the Human Development Report 2009, issued by the United Nations Development Program. The Human Development Index (HDI) measures the average achievements in life expectancy at birth, adult literacy rates and enrollment in different levels of education and dignified life in terms of per capita income and power purchasing. And is considered the best indicator to measure a country's development. The new scale, Colombia was very close to Brazil, which ranked 75. The best Latin American country is Chile located, since 44, followed by Argentina, 49th. Norway continues to lead the global honors. The Scandinavian country exceeds, in order, to Australia, Iceland and Canada. In the top 10 there are few changes compared to 2006, with the exception of France, passing the post 11 to 8, behind Sweden and ahead of Switzerland, Luxembourg while leaving the platoon. The countries that occupied the bottom three places in the HDI this year are, in this order, Niger, Afghanistan (including for the first time since 1996) and Sierra Leone respectively. In other words, a child born in Niger can expect to live just over 50 years, that is, 30 years less than one born in Norway. Moreover, differences in per capita income are enormous: each dollar of income earned by a person in Niger, earning U.S. $ 85 in Norway.Click here to download the complete report

October 8, 2009

APPREHENSION OF THE ALLEGED MURDERERS OF THE AW INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

APPREHENSION OF THE ALLEGED MURDERERS OF THE AW INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE. Bogotá, October 6 (SP). The Ministry of National Defense informs that those responsible for the murder of 12 members of the Awa indigenous community on August 26 earlier this year were apprehended, thanks to the joint efforts of the National Police and the Office of the Attorney General. This result highlights the benefits of effective cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense, the Public Force and the judicial authorities.
A thorough criminal investigation led to the apprehension of three people, including the mastermind and the perpetrator of this heinous crime. These subjects were members of the band Los Cucarachos’, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping.
The operation that led to the arrest was conducted by a special Life Area (rea de Vida) Group of the Dijin (Central Directorate of the Judicial Police and Intelligence) in the township of La Guayacana, Tumaco municipality.
The National Government appreciates the cooperation of the citizens, as it led to the whereabouts of the murderers, and has announced a 130 Million Pesos reward to those who provided such information.
The band Los Cucarachos’ and specifically those apprehended are currently under investigation for other massacres, kidnappings and extortions the Department of Nario.
Information that is still being verified indicates that at least one of the detainees was a former member of the Daniel Aldana’ group of the Farc.COMUNICADO DE PRENSA MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA. Bogotá, 6 oct (SP). El Ministerio de Defensa Nacional informa que como resultado de un trabajo conjunto de la Policía Nacional y la Fiscalía General de la Nación, se logró la captura de los asesinos de los 12 indígenas awá, (hecho) ocurrido el 26 de agosto pasado. Este resultado exalta los beneficios de la cooperación eficaz entre el Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, la Fuerza Pblica y las autoridades judiciales.

Fareed Zakaria interviewed President Alvaro Uribe on the war against narco terrorism

Fareed Zakaria interviewed President Alvaro Uribe on the war against narco terrorism

CNN. GPS FAREED ZAKARIA
Fareed Zakaria interviewed President Alvaro Uribe on the war against narco terrorism.
The interview took place during President’s Uribe last visit to the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
Here is a link to the video of their conversation: Watch video

Brookings. By Mauricio Cárdenas, Director, Latin America InitiativeOctober 19, 2009 Since the beginning of the financial crisis, Latin America has faced both challenges and opportunities. The region has dealt very well with the challenges, but still has to seize this crisis as an opportunity to make important reforms to solve longstanding problems.
A construction worker tightens steel bars at a residential apartment building construction site in Valparaiso, Chile.
It is evident that economic conditions in the region are already showing signs of improvement. Industrial production, housing construction, and consumer and business confidence levels are on the rise, relative to what happened in the first two quarters of 2009. With the exception of Mexico, the economic contraction is likely to be mild this year. In some countries, such as Colombia and Peru, positive economic growth in 2009 is still a likely possibility.
Why is Latin America overpeforming relative to the developed world? To a large extent this is the result of good policies, not good luck. What is remarkable about this crisis is the widening of the policy space in Latin America, meaning that governments have been under pressure to introduce measures that mitigate the effects of the crisis and, interestingly, they have had more policy options available than in the recent past.Read Article

Spanish-Language Satire Deals With Cross-Cultural Issues
By Celia Wren. If only all last-minute fixes were as satisfactory as "El Insomnio Americano (The American Insomnia)."
When travel complications recently derailed a scheduled visit by a Colombian production, the 12th International Festival of Hispanic Theater, in Arlington, was in need of a new opener. Teatro de la Luna, which stages the annual cultural smorgasbord, lucked out by snagging Saulo García's "Insomnio," a Spanish-language solo show that's sly, funny, varied, spiffily produced and -- as if that weren't enough -- topical.
A Colombian living in Miami, García has a good-humored stage presence that's irresistible, even if you don't instantly understand every word coming out of his mouth. Performances of "Insomnio" (which continues through Saturday) and of other upcoming productions in the festival (which runs through Nov. 21) feature live English-language dubbing for Anglophone theatergoers. On opening night of "Insomnio," the gales of laughter that erupted regularly in the house occasionally made the dubbing hard to hear -- particularly during García's frequent bouts of improvisational audience-ribbing. But his animated face is so readable and fun to watch, and his vocal inflections so informative, that ticket holders stranded in the lingo of Shakespeare will have little trouble rolling with the moment.Read Article

October 20, 2009

Letter from Ambassador Carolina Barco to Congressmen McGovern and Wolf

Letter from Ambassador Carolina Barco to Congressmen McGovern and Wolf

Please find here a copy of the letter sent by Ambassador Carolina Barco to Congressmen McGovern and Wolf regarding the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing to be held today.
"We are convinced this hearing offers a chance to highlight the progress we are making in the midst of a very complex environment, and the possibility to discuss ways to further the objective we all have of achieving peace in Colombia. This letter underscores the initiatives, achievements and commitment of the Government of Colombia regarding the protection of vulnerable populations, including Human Rights Defenders. As stated in the letter, the Colombian Government, from the President down, and all other State Institutions, recognize the fundamental role played by human rights advocates in strengthening democracy, freedom and the rule of law as well as in promoting and seeking respect for human rights.

October 20, 2009

STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA

STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA

Bogota, October 19, 2009 (SP). The President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, stated today that:
The Vice President of Colombia, Francisco Santos, is a citizen of strong moral integrity, whose work has always been exemplary. Our country is familiar with the leadership of the Vice President in the defense and promotion of human rights, and his unparalleled effort to end the scourge of kidnapping of which he was once a victim.

Statement by Vice President Francisco Santos Calderón:
Regarding the decision of the Deputy Attorney General's Office to re-open its investigation, Vice President Santos declared:
1. I respect the decision of the Deputy Attorney General and express my willingness to cooperate in any investigation. I would have preferred to be notified of such a decision instead of leaking the news in a way that is intended to cast doubt on my character and reputation, and that of the Government which has fought relentlessly against paramilitarism and has jailed paramilitary leaders.
2. I urge a prompt and effective investigation, which rules once and for all that these allegations are baseless, and ends the perpetuation of slander by those who are more interested in discrediting the Government than in the right of both victims and the country to learn and acknowledge the truth.
3. I request that the statements made by Salvatore Mancuso and Freddy Rendon before the Attorney-Delegate to the Supreme Court, leading to the re-opening of the investigation, are made available to the public.
4. My life as a journalist and as Vice President has been public. I have never been a friend or defender of drug traffickers, paramilitaries, guerrillas or corrupt persons. My commitment has always been to the truth, the institutions of peace and reconciliation, and to those affected by corruption and violence. I am hurt and surprised to learn that those who know my background and principles can believe that I could have backed the formation of a paramilitary unit anywhere in the country.

October 7, 2009

Textile Interests Support Colombian FTA

Textile Interests Support Colombian FTA

TEXTILE WORLD. By James A. Morrissey, Washington Correspondent. Although congressional ratification of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been held up for more than year over concerns about rampant crime and labor abuses, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) says Colombia has cleaned up its act and the pact should be approved. In a letter to the chairman of the US Trade Representative's Trade Policy Staff Committee, NCTO Vice President Michael S. Hubbard said members of his association who have worked in Colombia for years through selling offices and joint ventures say they have witnessed the gains Colombia has made with regard to protection of Colombian workers' fundamental rights and "an extraordinary reduction in violence in the country." He also underscored the importance of more liberal trade with Colombia to the US textile industry.Read Article

Did You Know

A country with modern cities, vast farmlands, diverse cultures and colonial charm, Colombia’s economy has grown steadily over the past decade – becoming both a top Latin American center for business and an increasingly popular tourist destination.